DFT/day of hope | Planned at 2 locations

A Day of Hope is planned Saturday at two locations in Mahoning and Columbiana counties. The events will offer food giveaways and other family-oriented activities.

Wilson Middle School, 2725 Gibson St., Youngstown: The event will start at 1 p.m. with a giveaway of groceries, a carnival for children, lunch, family photos and music. Convoy of Hope, NOW Youngstown, Community Initiative to Reduce Violence and Youngstown City Schools are sponsors.

Salem High School, 1200 E. Sixth St., Salem: The event will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. with a hot meal, grocery distribution, hair cuts and family photos. Social service agencies such as Job and Family Services, Family Recovery, Help Me Grow, Heartbeat of Columbiana County and Ohio Means Jobs will have displays. Convoy of Hope and Realife Church of Salem, 12824 Salem-Warren Road, Salem, are sponsors; Pastor Jonathan Dickenson is coordinator. For information or to volunteer, call the church at 330-332-0011.

Convoy of Hope: The faith-based, international humanitarian organization was founded by the Donaldson family in 1994 and is based in Springfield, Mo. The family faced financial issues in the aftermath of the death of their father, Harold, who was killed by a drunken driver in 1969. Because people in the Donaldsons’ community helped them, they were inspired to create the nonprofit organization to help others. Convoy of Hope partners with churches, businesses, government agencies and other non-profit groups. Visit www.convoyofhope.org.